Saturday, May 24, 2008

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. This is a weekend that marks the beginning of summer for many people. For many, first weekend to go to the beach.... have a cookout in the back yard.... big weekend for car races (if you're into watching car races)....

For me, it is also a weekend to remember our Veterans. A Memorial Service is held on Sunday afternoon of every Memorial Day weekend at the National Cemetery in my town. I play in a community band, and our band always performs at this service. It is a small thing I do, but, for me, is one of the most important concerts we do each year. It's my way to thank, to respect and to honor our Veterans, past and present.

You may not agree with me, and, thanks to the freedoms we have in this country, you don't have to agree with me. But, if you do agree with me, remember to take a moment sometime this weekend to think about our Veterans, remember them, and thank them for protecting us.



I'll end with lyrics to "Taps". There are multiple opinions on the origin of "Taps". Eventually, lyrics were written, and there are multiple versions of those also. Here is a version I found...

Day is done,
gone the sun,
from the lakes
from the hills
from the sky,
all is well,
safely, rest,
God is near.

Fading light,
Dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky
Gleaming bright,
From afar,
Drawing, near,
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise,
For our days,
Neath the sun
Neath the stars
Neath the sky,
As we go,
This, we, know,
God is near.

6 comments:

Carolyn NC said...

You are so right. So many times we think of it as a holiday weekend without fully internalizing the significance of the day. So many have made untold sacrifices for us to enjoy the freedoms we have here. Beautifully said, Chris.

Dani said...

Thanks Chris!

Shelleen said...

I have always liked honoring the Vets on this day.

Jennifer said...

I remember singing Taps every sunset at Girl Scout camp as the flag was lowered and folded. It always seemed to be such a comforting way to end the day.

Sharon said...

Thank you for remembering the Veterans. I know I didn't really appreciate the significance of Memorial Day until I marrieda military man. I cry every time I hear Taps played as for me it's a symbol o fthe fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us.

Ruth said...

I never realized there was a controversy about hte words to Taps! hmm